Bourne Vale Hawks Under 16s Match Report.

Wednesday 23rd August 2006.

Bourne Vale 2 - Holbrook 0 (Friendly)

This was a game that the boys had been looking forward to for some time. Local pride was at stake, especially with a lot of the boys attending the same school and previously being involved with either club.

Because of a potential lack of light both managers had agreed with the referee to play 35 minutes in each half, although the final decision would be made by the ref at the end of the first half.

Vale started well, playing very positively, with good movement off the ball, looking very confident at the back and communicating well on the pitch.

Just a few minutes into the game, after another driving attack forward, Vale won a corner which Joe curled across goal. Dan B had got himself into a superb position and slotted the ball past the Holbrook keeper into the back of the net.

The first half continued with Vale responding well to Holbrook's periods of procession by challenging confidently and positively, denying Holbrook all but a couple of half chances in the first half.  Likewise Vale, in spells, continued to attack but were kept out by some stern defending.

After half time Cornell came on for Delio.  Once again Dan B showed his poaching instincts by capitalising on a defensive error early in the second half, coolly and neatly side-footing the keeper to make it 2 -0.

After 10 minutes Jason came off with a knock, with Luke providing a versatile replacement up front.  The second half became quite a battle in midfield, and both teams exhibited some positive and determined play, Ben in particular showing how much pride was at stake by some of his imposing challenges against the opposition.

Dan C put in some excellent work at the back, winning headers and preventing Holbrook from developing and real opportunities.

At times Mitch drove forward with Cornell dropping back to midfield. The excellent link up play between Tom & Joe on the left, and Ady & Dan B on the right created several more chances for Vale, with Matty reading the game well in the middle playing some useful balls in with Cornell. The Holbrook defence however, held out. Their only real chance of the second half came after a superb ball was played through the Vale back line, with only the agile shot-stopping from Dale's foot denying them the opportunity to get back into the game.

All in all an absolutely excellent first game for a side consisting of many new players.  Vale were well organised, communicated well and played positively throughout the game. Each and every one of the boys can be proud of the attitude they displayed. With 3 players missing on the night due to holidays, Vale can go into the season with confidence, and look forward to playing more excellent football.

Line-up: Dale, Tom, Ben(C), Dan.C, Ady, Joe, Mitch, Matt, Dan.B, Delio (Cornell 35), Jason (Luke 45).

Sunning it but missing an excellent game: Drew, Fabian, Grant.